As employees, we ask you to be vigilant about hazards in your work space, but most people overlook the surface on which you are walking or working. It is easy to overlook hazards associated with just moving around the jobsite. Slips, trips, and falls constitute the majority of general industry accidents and they cause 15% of all accidental deaths. Falls also cause nearly 40% of all construction deaths. These surfaces include the ground, floor openings, ladders, stairs, ramps, scaffolds, and even equipment. OSHA requires that all places of employment be kept clean and orderly.

All stairs having 4 or more risers must have a railing all open sides, this includes stairs for job trailers. This photo shows a deficient railing, two are needed, one each side.

No materials can be placed on platforms suspended between two containers, unless there is a posted rating for the maximum load.Hole covers must completely cover the opening, be secured in place, be marked “hole” or “cover” (not puka), and be able to support at least twice the intended load. These covers are not appropriate.

Ladder access areas must be kept clear of clutter or tripping hazards, and the area must have a swinging gate or an offset guardrail, as shown here, to prevent a person from walking directly through the opening.All working surfaces must be at least 18 inches wide. This is the equivalent of two scaffold planks. This includes ramps to access a slab or work area. A single plank is a clear violation.

Make sure you are wearing the proper footwear for the conditions. Sometimes rubber boots are needed in wet conditions, and if you climb ladders or equipment, you should be wearing boots that have a distinct heel, so that your foot does not slip off the rung.If you are using a scaffold, ensure that you use planks or engineered surfaces, don’t just throw plywood down and think that’s acceptable. Avoid overloading the planks with materials or equipment. The normal span for 2 x10 planks is listed below:

Take note of your surroundings, look for hazards before you get started. Report or repair the deficiency to your supervisor. Take a look at decking or steps that have been on the job for a long time. Water damage can slowly weaken the boards or treads, causing them to fail. Use ladders appropriately, according to the manufacturers guidelines. Do not over load, carry items, or have two people on a ladder at a time. Keep up your housekeeping every day, pick up straps and other materials that pose a tripping hazard.